Enclosure assembly for snow throwers

ABSTRACT

An enclosure for an operator of power machinery includes a frame and a skin coupled to the frame. The enclosure mount facilitates adjustability and the ability to dismount the enclosure from one piece of power machinery and remount the enclosure on a second piece of power machinery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,763, filed on Oct. 23, 2008, entitled “Enclosure for a Snow Thrower.” That application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to enclosures for snow throwers and other vehicles.

BACKGROUND

A conventional snow thrower (also referred to as a “snow blower”) is a powered machine for removing snow from an area where it is not wanted, such as a driveway, sidewalk, roadway or runway. Conventional snow throwers can use either electric power, or a gasoline or diesel engine to throw snow to another location or into a container to be hauled away.

Although some of the smaller snow throwers are pushed by the operator, it is common for snow throwers to be self-propelled, using either large wheels that can be equipped with tire chains or, in some cases, tracks. An operator usually walks behind a conventional self-propelled snow thrower. From this position, the operator can control the snow thrower. Controls for conventional snow throwers can include a clutch for engaging/disengaging the drive system that propels the snow thrower, a clutch for engaging/disengaging the snow handling system, a deflector for setting the distance that snow is thrown from the discharge chute, and/or a chute crank for setting the direction that snow is thrown from the discharge chute. Additional controls can include a speed regulator, e.g., an engine throttle, or a key for authorizing use of the snow thrower.

A snow thrower is typically used in cold, wet, damp, rainy, snowy, and/or windy conditions. Accordingly, an operator often must wear bulky winter clothes to stay warm and dry while using the snow thrower. The combination of inclement weather and winter clothes may adversely affect the ability of the operator to clear the snow in a timely and effective manner. To minimize discomfort and productivity losses, it is desirable to provide a shelter for the operator of a snow thrower.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C show an enclosure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2E show an enclosure frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2F-2H illustrate a sequence for assembling an enclosure frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2I illustrates a relationship between a power machine control and the bar assembly shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a spring clip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4C-4G illustrate a sequence for assembling a mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5F show an enclosure skin according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5G shows a skin closure adjustor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5H-5K illustrate a sequence for positioning an enclosure skin on an enclosure frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A shows an assembly of the enclosure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure mounted on a snow thrower.

FIG. 6B schematically illustrates that an enclosure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can tilt with respect to a snow thrower to accommodate operators of various heights.

FIGS. 7A-7C show an enclosure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8E show an enclosure frame according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8F-8I illustrate a sequence for assembling an enclosure frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8J illustrates a relationship between a power machine control and the enclosure frame shown in FIGS. 8A-8D.

FIG. 9A shows a mounting assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate a sequence for assembling a mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9D and 9E illustrate proper and improper mounting assembly installations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10D show an enclosure skin according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10E shows a skin closure adjustor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10E-10H illustrate a sequence for positioning an enclosure skin on an enclosure frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows an assembly of the enclosure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure mounted on a snow thrower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include a shelter against ambient conditions for machinery operators.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include an enclosure that is attachable to a powered machine and that provides a shelter to an operator of the powered machine.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include a frame attachable to a powered machine and a cab supported on the frame so as to define a space in which an operator may control the powered machine and be sheltered from the ambient conditions in which the powered machine is operating.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include a structure attaching an enclosure to a powered machine. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the enclosure can be assembled from components having sizes and shapes that can facilitate packing, shipping and/or storing an enclosure in a disassembled condition.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include a method of attaching an enclosure to powered machinery such that the enclosure is releasable from and re-attachable to a first powered machine, or is releasable from a first powered machine and is re-attachable to a second powered machine.

Aspects of the present invention are generally directed toward an enclosure for sheltering an operator of a machine that includes an operator adjustable machine control. One aspect of certain embodiments is directed toward a frame, a skin supported by the frame, and a mounting assembly configured to mount the frame to the machine. The mounting assembly includes a first post configured to be coupled to the machine and a second post coupled to the frame. The first post extends along a first axis, the second post extends along a second axis, and the first and second axes intersect at an angle.

Enclosures for Sheltering Machine Operators

The following disclosure describes embodiments of enclosures for powered machinery and methods of using the enclosures in accordance with the present disclosure. Many specific details of various embodiments are described below with reference to a snow thrower, but embodiments can be used with other types of powered machinery, e.g., a rotary tiller. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are set forth in the following text to provide a thorough understanding of particular embodiments of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art will understand, however, that the present disclosure may have additional embodiments, or that the present disclosure may be practiced without several of the details of the embodiments as shown and described.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure of an enclosure 100. The term “enclosure” as it is used in this disclosure encompasses a structure fully or at least partially delimiting, surrounding, encasing or enveloping an area or space to be defined for a specified purpose, e.g., providing a workspace for the operator of power machinery. The enclosure 100 includes a frame 200 (see FIG. 1B) supporting a skin 400 (see FIG. 1C).

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the frame 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2B-2D are front, side and top views, respectively, showing the frame 200. FIG. 2E is an exploded view showing components of the frame 200. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2E includes a bar assembly 210, a back hoop assembly 240, a front pole assembly 250, and a mounting assembly 300.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2E, the bar assembly 210 can include a center bar 212, a pair of end bars 214 a and 214 b, and a pair of corner bars 228 a and 228 b. The corner bars 228 a and 228 b couple the center bar 212 to the end bars 214 a and 214 b, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, a left side of the bar assembly 210, which includes the end bar 214 a and the corner bar 228 a, is a mirror image of the right side of the bar assembly 210, which includes the end bar 214 b and the corner bar 228 b. As they are used in this disclosure for the purposes of description only, the terms “left” and “right” are defined with respect to a person standing between the end bars 214 a and 214 b and facing toward the center bar 212. The terms “front” or “forward” and “back” or “rearward” are also defined with respect to the same frame of reference for the purposes of description only.

The components of the bar assembly 210 can be releasably coupled to one another. For example, swaged portions can be telescopically received in tubular portions. As it is used in this disclosure, the term “swaged” refers to a constricted cross-section, e.g., a reduced diameter.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2A-2E, the back hoop assembly 240 can include a back hoop top 242, a pair of back hoop sides 244 a and 244 b, and a pair of back hoop corners 248 a and 248 b. The back hoop corners 248 a and 248 b couple the back hoop top 242 to the back hoop sides 244 a and 244 b, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, a left side of the back hoop assembly 240, which includes the back hoop side 244 a and the back hoop corner 248 a, is a mirror image of the right side of the back hoop assembly 240, which includes the back hoop side 244 b and the back hoop corner 248 b. The back hoop side 244 a can include a lower segment 245 a that couples with the end bar 214 a, an upper segment 246 a that couples with the back hoop corner 248 a, and a sleeve 247 a that couples the lower and upper segments 245 a and 246 a. Similarly, the back hoop side 244 b can include a lower segment 245 b that couples with the end bar 214 b, an upper segment 246 b that couples with the back hoop corner 248 b, and a sleeve 247 b that couples the lower and upper segments 245 b and 246 b.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2A-2E, the front pole assembly 250 can include a front pole central section 252 and a pair of front pole end sections 258 a and 258 b. The front pole central section 252 can include a single rod or a plurality of rods coupled in series, e.g., with sleeves. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the front pole central section 252 includes five rods 254 a-254 e coupled together with four sleeves 256 a-256 d. The sleeves 256 can include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes that are pressed onto adjoining ends of the rods 254. According to other embodiments, the sleeves 256 can include metal ferrules that can be crimped onto an end of a first adjoining rod 254 and slid over an end of a second adjoining rod 254. Optionally, an elastic cord (not shown) can be disposed in a longitudinal hole extending throughout the assembled front pole central section 252. The front pole end section 258 a couples the corner bar 228 a with the front pole central section 252, and the front pole end section 258 b couples the corner bar 228 b with the front pole central section 252.

A sequence for assembling the frame 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 2F-2H. As shown in FIG. 2I, some embodiments of the present disclosure can include an arrangement of the bar assembly 210 to accommodate the presence and operation of a control C for the powered machine. For example, the height h of the center bar 212 and corner bars 228 relative to the end bars 214 can accommodate rotation of a crank for adjusting the discharge chute of a snow thrower.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing a spring clip 290 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The spring clip 290 can be used, for example, to releasably secure together the bars of the bar assembly 210. The spring clip 290 includes a peg 290 a disposed on a resilient portion 294. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the resilient portion 294 includes a first arm 294 a coupled to the projection 290 a, a second arm 294 b, and a bight 294 c coupling the first arm 294 a to the second arm 294 b. The spring clip 290 biases the projection 290 a away from the second arm 294 b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the resilient portion 294 is disposed inside a tubular portion of an inner bar of the bar assembly 210, and the peg 290 a is biased into aligned holes extending through the telescopically nested inner and outer bars of the bar assembly 210. Depressing the peg 290 a so as to disengage from a least the hole through the outer bar allows the telescopically nested bars to be separated or angularly reoriented with respect to one another.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the mounting assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is an exploded view showing components of the mounting assembly 300. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mounting assembly 300 includes a lower mounting post 310, an upper mounting post 330, an elbow 350, an optional extender tube 360, a plate 370, and a pair of U-bolts 380.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lower mounting post 310 can include a base 312 and a spindle 324. The base 312 includes a concave portion 314 and mounting holes 318. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the concave portion 314 can be defined by three bends 314 a-314 c that define four regions 312 a-312 d of the base 312. The two interior regions 312 b and 312 c are obliquely oriented with respect to one another, and the exterior regions 312 a and 312 d are shown lying in a common plane, but could lie in parallel planes. The holes 318, four are included in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, are disposed in the exterior regions 312 a and 312 d. The spindle 324 extends along a first axis A1 between a fixed end 324 a and a free end 324 b. The fixed end 324 a is coupled, e.g., welded, to the base 312. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the spindle 324 projects (e.g., orthogonally with respect to the common plane defined by the exterior regions 312 a and 312 d) from the backside of the concave portion 314.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper mounting post 330 extends along a second axis A2 between a clamp end 330 a and a free end 330 b. A clamp 334 is coupled at the clamp end 330 a. The clamp 334, which is configured to receive the bar assembly 210, can include a longitudinally split tube 336 having first and second flanges 338 a and 338 b disposed respectively on opposite sides of the split. In an expanded configuration of the clamp 334, the first flange 338 a is spaced from the second flange 338 b a first distance, and in a contracted configuration of the clamp 334, the first flange 338 a is spaced from the second flange 338 b a second distance that is less than the first distance. A fastener 340, e.g., a bolt and washer, penetrates through the first flange 338 a and threadably engages the second flange 338 b. Alternatively, the fastener 340 can include a bolt that penetrates through the first and second flanges 338 a and 338 b and threadably engages a nut. In the expanded configuration of the clamp 334, the fastener 356 is loosened to adjust the spacing between the first and second flanges 338 a and 338 b to the first distance such that the bar assembly 210 is released by the clamp 334 with respect to the upper mounting post 330. Accordingly, the upper mounting post 330 can be angularly oriented about a tilt axis T with respect to the bar assembly 210, thereby facilitating fore and aft tilting of the enclosure 100 with respect to a powered machine upon which the enclosure is mounted. In the contracted configuration of the clamp 334, the fastener 340 is tightened to adjust the spacing between the first and second flanges 338 a and 338 b to the second distance such that the bar assembly 210 is secured by the clamp 334 with respect to the upper mounting post 330. The free end 330 b of the upper mounting post 330 can be swaged and/or may be tubular.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the elbow 350 extends between a first end 350 a and a second end 350 b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the elbow 350 includes a 90° bend in a central section 350 c between the first and second ends 350 a and 350 b. The central section 350 c can alternatively be bent at angles other than 90°. The first end 350 a, the second end 350 b, and the central section 350 c can be manufactured as a single, homogenous unit or can be manufactured as an assembly of individual pieces coupled together. The first end 350 a, which is configured to receive the spindle 324, can include a longitudinally split tube 352 having first and second flanges 352 a and 352 b disposed respectively on opposite sides of the split. In an expanded configuration of the tube 352, there is a first gap between the first flange 352 a and the second flange 352 b. In a contracted configuration of the tube 352, there is a second gap between the first flange 352 a and the second flange 352 b, and the second gap is less than the first gap. A fastener 356, e.g., a bolt and washer, penetrates through the first flange 352 a and threadably engages the second flange 352 b. Alternatively, the fastener 356 can include a bolt that penetrates through the first and second flanges 352 a and 352 b and threadably engages a nut. In the expanded configuration of the tube 352, the fastener 356 is loosened to adjust the gap between the first and second flanges 352 a and 352 b to the first gap such that the tube 352 releases the angular and/or longitudinal positional relationship of the spindle 324 with respect to the elbow 350. In the contracted configuration of the tube 352, the fastener 356 is tightened to adjust the gap between the first and second flanges 352 a and 352 b to the second gap such that the tube 352 secures the angular and/or positional relationship of the spindle 324 with respect to the elbow 350. The second end 350 b is configured to receive the extender tube 360 that in-turn receives the free end 330 b of the upper mounting post 330. A fixing arrangement 358 can releasably secure the relative angular and/or longitudinal position of the elbow 350 and the extender tube 360, and a fixing arrangement 368 can releasably secure the relative angular and/or longitudinal position of the extender tube 360 and the upper mounting post 330. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fixing arrangement 358 can include a set screw 358 a in threaded engagement with a socket 358 b on the second end 350 b of the elbow 350, and the fixing arrangement 368 can include a set screw 368 a in threaded engagement with a socket 368 b on the extender tube 360. In set configurations of the fixing arrangements 358 and 368, the set screw 358 a is rotated into contiguous frictional engagement with the extender tube 360 such that the fixing arrangement 358 secures the angular and/or positional relationship of the extender tube 360 with respect to the elbow 350, and the set screw 368 a is rotated into contiguous frictional engagement with the upper mounting post 330 such that the fixing arrangement 368 secures the angular and/or longitudinal positional relationship of the upper mounting post 330 with respect to the extender tube 360. In released configurations of the fixing arrangements 358 and 368, the set screw 358 a is rotated out of contiguous frictional engagement with the extender tube 360 such that the fixing arrangement 358 releases the angular and/or longitudinal positional relationship of the extender tube 360 with respect to the elbow 350, and the set screw 368 a is rotated out of contiguous frictional engagement with the upper mounting post 330 such that the fixing arrangement 368 releases the angular and/or longitudinal positional relationship of the upper mounting post 330 with respect to the extender tube 360.

In other embodiments according to the present disclosure, the extender tube 360 can be eliminated such that the second end 350 b directly receives the free end 330 b of the upper mounting post 330. Accordingly, in a set configuration of the fixing arrangement 358, the set screw 358 a is rotated into contiguous frictional engagement with the upper mounting post 330 such that the fixing arrangement 358 secures the angular and/or longitudinal positional relationship of the upper mounting post 330 with respect to the elbow 350. In a released configuration of the fixing arrangement 358, the set screw 358 a is rotated out of contiguous frictional engagement with the upper mounting post 330 such that the fixing arrangement 358 releases the angular and/or longitudinal positional relationship of the upper mounting post 330 with respect to the elbow 350.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the plate 370 and the pair of U-bolts 380 cooperate with the base 312 of the lower mounting post 310 to releaseably secure the frame 200 with respect to a portion of a power machine (not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) to which the enclosure 100 is coupled. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the U-bolts 380 partially surround the portion of the power machine (not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) and are pulled into contiguous frictional engagement with the portion of a power machine (not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) by cooperating nuts 382. FIGS. 4C-4G illustrate a sequence for assembling the mounting assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, components of the bar assembly 210, the back hoop assembly 240, the front pole end sections 258, and the mounting assembly 300 can be made of metal, e.g., 1005 steel, which may be finished, e.g., painted or powder coated. In other embodiments, the components can be made of other suitably strong and durable materials. In the illustrated embodiments, individual components of the bar assembly 210, e.g., end bars 214, can be made of sections of metal tubing that are welded, brazed, soldered, adhered or otherwise physically coupled. Sleeves made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) may be use to couple the components of the back hoop assembly 240. With regard to the front pole assembly 250, the rods 254 a-254 e can be manufactured from reinforced fiberglass. The sleeves 256 can include PVC tubes that are pressed onto ends of adjoining rods 254. According to other embodiments, the sleeves 256 can include metal ferrules, e.g., aluminum, that can be crimped onto an end of a first adjoining rod 254 and slid over an end of a second adjoining rod 254.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the skin 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The skin 400 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A includes a front skin panel 420 (FIG. 5B), a top skin panel 440 (FIG. 5C), and a pair of side skin panels 460 a and 460 b (only one side skin panel 460 is shown in FIG. 5D).

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front skin panel 420 includes a primary viewing panel 422, e.g., manufactured from a substantially transparent material such as clear PVC, and at least one supplemental viewing panel 424 (three supplemental viewing panels 424 a-424 c are included in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A). The viewing panels 422 and 424 provide visibility for the powered machinery operator inside the enclosure 100. The primary viewing panel 422 and the supplemental viewing panel 424 are coupled, e.g., by sewing, to a fabric frame 428 that can be manufactured from PVC, polyester, nylon or another suitable fabric, roll good, or sheet. The fabric frame 428 can form a border at least partially around the peripheries of the primary viewing panel 422 and the supplemental viewing panel 424. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front skin panel 420 includes wings 420 a and 420 b that, in combination with the supplemental viewing panel 424, provide a flared skirt arrangement to the lower front portion of the skin 400. The flared skirt can accommodate portions of the power machinery. Referring additionally to FIG. 5G, the skin 400 may include one or more closure adjusters 430 (e.g., two zippers 430 a and 430 b are included in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) for adjusting the skin 400 to accommodate the structure of a particular powered machine and/or to allow the operator within the enclosure 100 to access the powered machinery. For example, in the case of a snow thrower, the closure adjusters 430 can facilitate operator access to one or more controls such as the chute crank for setting the direction that snow is thrown from the discharge chute of a snow thrower. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the closure adjusters 430 divide the supplemental viewing panel 424 into the three supplemental viewing panels 424 a-424 c.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5C, the top skin panel 440 can form another partial portion of the border around the periphery of the primary viewing panel 422. The top skin panel 440 can include pockets 442 and 444 which can receive the back hoop top 242 and the front pole central section 252, respectively. Thus, the pockets 442 and 444 maintain the top skin panel 440 in a desired configuration corresponding to the shape and arrangement of the back hoop top 242 and the front pole central section 252.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5D, the side skin panel 460 includes a secondary viewing panel 462 that can also be manufactured from a substantially transparent material such as clear PVC. The secondary viewing panel 462 provides lateral visibility for the powered machinery operator inside the enclosure 100. The secondary viewing panel 462 is coupled, e.g., by sewing, to a fabric frame 464 that can be manufactured from PVC, polyester, nylon or another suitable fabric, roll good, or sheet. The fabric frame 464 can form a border around the periphery of the secondary viewing panel 462. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, each side skin panel 460 is coupled, e.g., sewn, to the front skin panel 420 and the top skin panel 440. A pocket 466 which can receive the back hoop sides 244 can be formed at the rear edge of the side skin panels 460. A lower front portion 468 a of the side skin panels 460 can be configured to be coupled with a wing 420 and/or a corner bar 228, and a lower rear portion 468 b can be configured to be coupled with an end bar 214. Optional pouches 470 can be coupled to the inside of the side skin panels 460. For example, FIG. 5E shows an embodiment of a sand pouch 470 a and FIG. 5F shows an embodiment of a convenience pouch 470 b. Either or both of the pouches 470 a and 470 b can be coupled to the inside of the side skin panel 460. The sand pouch 470 a can provide a supply of sand or a de-icing agent to provide improved traction for the operator and/or the powered machinery. The convenience pouch 470 b can provide storage for a garage door opener, gloves, a cell phone, or another accessory that the powered machinery operator may wish to have in the enclosure 100. The pouches 470 can be coupled to the side skin panels 460 by sewing, by a hook and loop fastener, or any other suitable coupling. FIGS. 5H-5K illustrate a sequence for positioning the skin 400 on the frame 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the skin 400 is fitted over and coupled to the frame 200 such that the enclosure 100 is defined. The front skin panel 420 is coupled, e.g., with hook and loop straps, to the front pole end sections 258 of the front pole assembly 250, the top skin panel 440 is formed with pockets that receives the front pole central section 252 of the front pole assembly 250 and/or the back hoop top 242 of the back hoop assembly 240, and the side skin panels 460 a and 460 b are coupled, e.g., with hook and loop straps, to the corner bars 228 a and 228 b and/or end bars 214 of the bar assembly 210. At least one mounting assembly 300 couples the enclosure 100 to a piece of powered machinery, e.g. a snow thrower. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A, lower mounting post 310 can be coupled with the pair of U-bolts 380 to the handle bars or another bar on the powered machinery. The upper mounting post 330 can be coupled to the bar assembly 210. Adjustability with respect to the axes A1, A2 and T facilitates mounting the enclosure 100 in any number of arrangements with respect to the powered machinery, as well as permits the enclosure 100 to be dismounted from a first piece of powered machinery and then remounted on a second piece of powered machinery. As shown in FIG. 6B, the enclosure 100 can be tilted about the axis T to accommodate operators of various heights. For example, tilting the enclosure forward can provide additional headroom at the back of the enclosure 100. Moreover, the connection(s) between the upper mounting post 330, the optional extender tube 360, and the elbow 350 provide suitable locations for dismounting and/or remounting the enclosure 100 with respect to one or more pieces of powered machinery.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing another embodiment according to the present disclosure of an enclosure 1000. The enclosure 1000 includes a frame 1200 (see FIG. 7B) supporting a skin 1400 (see FIG. 7C).

FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the frame 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 8B-8D are front, side and top views, respectively, showing the frame 1200. FIG. 8E is an exploded view showing components of the frame 1200 and a mounting assembly 1300. The frame 1200 shown in FIGS. 8A-8E includes a bar assembly 1210, a back hoop assembly 1240, and a front pole assembly 1250.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8E, the bar assembly 1210 can include a center bar 1212, a pair of end bars 1214 a and 11214 b, and a pair of corner bars 1228 a and 1228 b. The corner bars 1228 a and 1228 b couple the center bar 1212 to the end bars 1214 a and 1214 b, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, a left side of the bar assembly 1210, which includes the end bar 1214 a and the corner bar 1228 a, is a mirror image of the right side of the bar assembly 1210, which includes the end bar 1214 b and the corner bar 1228 b. The components of the bar assembly 1210 can be releasably coupled to one another by, for example, a swaged portion telescopically received within a tubular portion and a spring clip similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 8A-8E, the back hoop assembly 1240 can include a back hoop top 1242, a pair of back hoop sides 1244 a and 1244 b, and a pair of back hoop corners 1248 a and 1248 b. The back hoop corners 1248 a and 1248 b couple the back hoop top 1242 to the back hoop sides 1244 a and 1244 b, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, a left side of the back hoop assembly 1240, which includes the back hoop side 1244 a and the back hoop corner 1248 a, is a mirror image of the right side of the back hoop assembly 1240, which includes the back hoop side 1244 b and the back hoop corner 1248 b. The back hoop side 1244 a can include a lower segment 1245 a that couples with the end bar 1214 a, an upper segment 1246 a that couples with the back hoop corner 1248 a, and a sleeve 1247 a that couples the lower and upper segments 1245 a and 1246 a. Similarly, the back hoop side 1244 b can include a lower segment 1245 b that couples with the end bar 1214 b, an upper segment 1246 b that couples with the back hoop corner 1248 b, and a sleeve 1247 b that couples the lower and upper segments 1245 b and 1246 b.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 8A-8E, the front pole assembly 1250 can include a front pole central section 1252 and a pair of front pole end sections 1258 a and 1258 b. The front pole central section 1252 can include a single rod or a plurality of rods coupled in series, e.g., with sleeves. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, the front pole central section 1252 includes five rods 1254 a-1254 e coupled together with four sleeves 1256 a-1256 d. Optionally, an elastic cord (not shown) can be disposed in a longitudinal hole extending throughout the assembled front pole central section 1252. The front pole end section 1258 a couples the corner bar 1228 a with the front pole central section 1252, and the front pole end section 1258 b couples the corner bar 1228 b with the front pole central section 1252.

A sequence for assembling the frame 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 8F-8I. As shown in FIG. 8J, some embodiments of the present disclosure can include an arrangement of the bar assembly 1210 to accommodate the presence and operation of a control C for the powered machine. For example, the height h of the center bar 1212 and corner bars 1228 relative to the end bars 1214 can accommodate rotation of a crank for adjusting the discharge chute of a snow thrower.

With additional reference to FIG. 9A, the mounting assembly 1300 includes a mounting plate front 1310, a mounting plate back 1330, and a pair of U-bolts 1350.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the mounting plate front 1310 includes a concave portion 1314 and mounting holes 1318. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the concave portion 1314 can be defined by three bends 1314 a-1314 c that define four regions 1310 a-1310 d of the mounting plate front 1310. The two interior regions 1312 b and 1312 c are obliquely oriented with respect to one another, and the exterior regions 1312 a and 1312 d are shown lying in a common plane, but could lie in parallel planes. The holes 1318, four are included in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, are disposed in the exterior regions 1312 a and 1312 d.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 9A, the mounting plate back 1330 can be defined by two bends 1334 a and 1334 b that define three regions 1330 a-1330 c of the mounting plate back 1330. An interior region 1330 b can be generally planar. Optionally, the interior region 1330 b can be reinforced with one or more ridges or other structures. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the interior region 1330 b is reinforced with a ridge 1332 that extends generally parallel to the two bends 1334 a and 1334 b. The interior region can also include holes 1338; four are included in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, through which the U-bolts 1350 can extend. The exterior regions 1330 a and 1330 c can include a cutout portion 1340. The cutout portion 1340 is sized, shaped and positioned to cooperate with the two interior regions 1312 b and 1312 c of the mounting front plate 1310. The cutout portion 1340 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A includes a serrated edge to define teeth for gripping the bar assembly 1210.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 9A, the pair of U-bolts 1350 and associated nuts 1352 cooperate with the mounting plate front 1310 and the mounting plate back 1330 to releaseably secure the frame 1200 with respect to a portion of a power machine (not shown in FIG. 9A) to which the enclosure 1000 is coupled. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the U-bolts 1350 partially surround the portion of the power machine (not shown in FIG. 9A) and are pulled into contiguous frictional engagement with the portion of a power machine (not shown in FIG. 9A) by cooperating nuts 1352. Accordingly, the mounting plate front 1310 and the mounting plate back 1330 can be angularly oriented about a tilt axis T with respect to the bar assembly 1210, thereby facilitating fore and aft tilting of the enclosure 1000 with respect to a powered machine upon which the enclosure 1000 is mounted.

FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate a sequence for assembling the enclosure mounting assembly 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9D and 9E illustrate proper and improper installations, respectively, for the mounting assembly 1300.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8E and 9A, components of the bar assembly 1210, the back hoop assembly 1240, the front pole end sections 1258, and the mounting assembly 1300 can be made of metal, e.g., 1005 steel, which may be finished, e.g., painted or powder coated. In other embodiments, the components can be made of other suitably strong and durable materials. In the illustrated embodiments, individual components of the bar assembly 1210, e.g., end bars 1214, can be made of sections of metal tubing that are welded, brazed, soldered, adhered or otherwise physically coupled. Sleeves made of PVC may be use to couple the components of the back hoop assembly 1240. With regard to the front pole assembly 1250, the rods 1254 a-1254 e can be manufactured from reinforced fiberglass and the sleeves 1256 a-1256 d can be manufactured from aluminum.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the skin 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The skin 1400 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A includes a front skin panel 1420 (FIG. 10B), a top skin panel 1440 (FIG. 10C), and a pair of side skin panels 1460 a and 1460 b (only one side skin panel 1460 is shown in FIG. 10D).

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the front skin panel 1420 includes a primary viewing panel 1422, e.g., manufactured from a substantially transparent material such as clear PVC, and at least one supplemental viewing panel 1424 (three supplemental viewing panels 1424 a-1424 c are included in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). The viewing panels 1422 and 1424 provide visibility for the powered machinery operator inside the enclosure 1000. Referring additionally to FIG. 10E, one or more closure adjusters 1430 (e.g., two zippers 1430 a and 1430 b are included in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B) can be disposed to accommodate the structure of a particular powered machine and/or to allow access through the enclosure 1000 to the powered machinery. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the closure adjusters 1430 divide the supplemental viewing panel 1424 into the three supplemental viewing panels 1424 a-1424 c.

With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10C, the top skin panel 1440 can form another partial portion of the border around the periphery of the primary viewing panel 1422. The top skin panel 1440 can include pockets 1442 and 1444 which can receive the back hoop top 1242 and the front pole central section 1252, respectively. Thus, the pockets 1442 and 1444 maintain the top skin panel 1440 in a desired configuration corresponding to the shape and arrangement of the back hoop top 1242 and the front pole central section 1252.

With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10D, the side skin panels 1460 include a secondary viewing panel 1462 that can also be manufactured from a substantially transparent material such as clear PVC. The secondary viewing panel 1462 provides lateral visibility for the powered machinery operator inside the enclosure 1000. The secondary viewing panel 1462 is coupled, e.g., by sewing, to a fabric frame 1464 that can be manufactured from polyester. The fabric frame 1464 can form a border around the periphery of the secondary viewing panel 1462. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10D, the side skin panels 1460 are coupled, e.g., sewn, to the front skin panel 1420 and the top skin panel 1440. A pocket 1466 which can receive the back hoop sides 1244 can be formed at the rear edge of the side skin panels 1460. A lower front portion 1468 a of the side skin panels 1460 can be configured to be coupled with a corner bar 1228, and a lower rear portion 1468 b can be configured to be coupled with an end bar 1214. FIGS. 10E-10-H illustrate a sequence for positioning the skin 400 on the frame 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the skin 1400 is fitted over and coupled to the frame 1200 such that the enclosure 1000 is defined. The front skin panel 1420 is coupled, e.g., with hook and loop straps, to the front pole end sections 1258 of the front pole assembly 1250, the top skin panel 1440 is formed with pockets that receives the front pole central section 1252 of the front pole assembly 1250 and/or the back hoop top 1242 of the back hoop assembly 1240, and the side skin panels 1460 a and 1460 b are coupled, e.g., with hook and loop straps, to the corner bars 228 a and 228 b and/or end bars 1214 a and 1214 b of the bar assembly 1210. At least one mounting assembly 1300 couples the enclosure 1000 to a piece of powered machinery, e.g. a snow thrower. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, front and back mounting plates 1310 and 1330 can be coupled to the bar assembly 1210 and the pair of U-bolts 1350 can be coupled to the handle bars or another bar on the powered machinery. The mounting assembly 1300 facilitates mounting the enclosure 1000 with respect to the powered machinery, as well as permits the enclosure 1000 to be dismounted from a first piece of powered machinery and then remounted on a second piece of powered machinery. The enclosure 1000 can be tilted about the axis T to accommodate operators of various heights. For example, tilting the enclosure forward can provide additional headroom at the back of the enclosure 1000.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited except as by the appended claims. 

1. An enclosure for sheltering an operator of a machine that includes an operator adjustable machine control, the enclosure comprising: a frame; a skin supported by the frame; and a mounting assembly configured to mount the frame to the machine, the mounting assembly including: a first post configured to be coupled to the machine, the first post extends along a first axis; and a second post coupled to the frame, the second post extends along a second axis; wherein the first and second axes intersect at an angle.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the mounting post assembly comprises an elbow coupling the first and second posts, and the angle between the first and second axes is approximately 90 degrees.
 3. The enclosure of claim 2, further comprising: a first joint coupling the first post and the elbow, wherein the first joint is configured to vary a first angular orientation about the first axis of the elbow relative to the first post; and a second joint coupling the second post and the elbow, wherein the second joint is configured to vary a second angular orientation about the second axis of the elbow relative to the second post.
 4. The enclosure of claim 2 wherein the second joint is configured to separate the second post and the elbow.
 5. The enclosure of claim 2 wherein the mounting post assembly comprises an extension coupling the elbow and the second post.
 6. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the skin comprises a closure adjuster configured to adjust the skin thereby allowing the operator access to the adjustable machine control.
 7. The enclosure of claim 6 wherein the closure adjuster comprises a zipper.
 8. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a resilient member configured to tension the skin. 